STRAIT OF HORMUZ, IRAN – MAY 16: An Iranian flag flutters in the wind as ships remain anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over opening this critical waterway have largely stalled as the countries have rejected each other’s proposals to end the war that began when the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

...

Anna Commander

By Anna Commander

News Editor

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

The U.S. military has launched new strikes against Iran on Wednesday, according to a U.S. military official, who said American troops shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones "that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz."

An Iranian ground control station was also struck as a fifth drone was getting ready to be launched, the official added. The station is in Bandar Abbas, the official told Newsweek.

"These actions were measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire," the U.S. official added.

Read More on News

The latest attack follows the United States conducting "self-defense" strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels trying to establish mines, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

In a previous statement to Newsweek, Captain Tim Hawkins, CENTCOM spokesman, said, "U.S. forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines.

"U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire," the statement concluded.

An Iranian flag flutters in the wind as ships remain anchored on May 16 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

...

What Trump Has Said About Negotiations

During a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump said, "We can make a good deal right now, but maybe not a great deal—and if it's not a great deal, we're not making it." He added that he thought negotiations were going well.

The president also said during the meeting that "They're starting to give us the things that they have to give us—and if they do, that's great, and if they won't, then the man on my left is going to finish them off," referring to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Trump on Saturday said a deal to end the war had been "largely negotiated," adding that final aspects of an agreement were under discussion. "In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened," he said in his post in part.

The president also said Monday on Truth Social that negotiations with Iran were "proceeding nicely!"

Trump added in part, "It will only be a Great Deal for all or, no Deal at all—Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before—And nobody wants that!" He also said that certain countries in the Middle East should "sign onto the Abraham Accords," citing work done by the United States "to try and pull this very complex puzzle together."

View this post on X

Where Gasoline Prices Stand

Amid the ongoing war in Iran, Americans have felt the strain at home at the gas pump, but prices have recently been slightly dipping amid hopes that an agreement is in the works.

According to AAA data on Wednesday, the current national average for regular gasoline is $4.459 per gallon, inching downward from $4.491 on Tuesday. The average price a week ago for regular was $4.555.

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines